District Energy

By providing heat and cooling energy to multiple buildings from a single plant, district energy can capitalize on waste heat sources, providing clean, renewable energy to neighborhoods. Seattle is pursuing strategies to implement district energy solutions in key neighborhoods as a key strategy in helping achieve our climate protection and energy conservation goals.

Background

In 2010, the City completed a study to evaluate the neighborhoods in Seattle where district energy is likely to be most promising, and to identify policies that could help advance district energy in Seattle. Based on the key findings and recommendations of the study, the City is currently pursuing a strategy to expand district energy on First Hill and in the South Lake Union and Denny Triangle neighborhoods. These neighborhoods provide opportunities for district energy systems fueled primarily by waste heat from sewer lines, hospitals, and data centers.The City is working to develop these opportunities through a public-private partnership with Corix Utilities. Corix is currently conducting a feasibility analysis to fully understand the potential heat available from each waste heat source, optimal system design, and likely pricing. Results are expected in early 2014 for South Lake Union, and later 2014 for First Hill.